Leslie Massey
The Great Artesian Basin (GAB) is the largest and deepest artesian basin in the world, covering almost a quarter of Australia and providing the only source of fresh water for much of inland Australia. The basin is a vital water source for humans, animals and the environment, and also holds significant cultural, social and spiritual value to First Nations communities. The GAB is carefully managed by the Australian government and Basin state governments, who released the Great Artesian Basin Strategic Management Plan in 2020.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Artesian water area | One of the largest in the world |
| Area covered | 1,700,000 square kilometres (660,000 sq mi) or 1,735,000 square km |
| Percentage of Australia covered | 22% or one-fifth |
| Depth | 3000 metres (9800 feet) |
| Amount of groundwater | 64,900 cubic kilometres (15,600 cubic miles) or 65 million GL |
| Groundwater temperature | 30 to 100 °C (86 to 212 °F) |
| States/territories covered | Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Northern Territory |
| Daily free discharge of water | 350,000,000 gallons (1,300,000,000 litres) |
| Water wastage | Up to 95% |
| Water use | Cattle stations, irrigation, livestock, domestic purposes, geothermal power, town water supplies, agriculture, mining |
| Water users | Humans, animals, environment, First Nations people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities |
| Management plan | Great Artesian Basin Strategic Management Plan |
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What You'll Learn
- The Great Artesian Basin is a vital water source for humans, animals and the environment
- It is the largest and deepest artesian basin in the world
- It covers almost a quarter of Australia
- It is an important water resource for industries such as agriculture and livestock
- The basin is of great cultural, social and spiritual value to First Nations communities
The Great Artesian Basin is a vital water source for humans, animals and the environment
The Great Artesian Basin (GAB) is a vital water source for humans, animals, and the environment. Covering over 1.7 million square kilometres, it is the largest artesian basin in the world, underlying almost a quarter of the Australian continent. The basin provides the only source of fresh water for much of inland Australia, supporting local communities and various industries.
First Nations people have relied on the water from the Great Artesian Basin for over 60,000 years, and it holds significant cultural, social, and spiritual value for these communities. The springs and wetlands of the basin are home to rich ecosystems, including many endangered species and plants found nowhere else in the world.
The basin is particularly important in regional areas with low rainfall, such as the north-west of New South Wales. It provides town water and supports agriculture, tourism, and other industries. The water is easily accessible, as the pressure of the water often forces it up without the need for pumps.
The Great Artesian Basin is a connected system that needs to be managed collaboratively by the Basin states and territories, along with the Commonwealth and stakeholders. In 2020, the Australian government and Basin state governments released the Great Artesian Basin Strategic Management Plan, aiming to improve management, achieve social and economic outcomes, and ensure the long-term health of the basin and its ecosystems.
The basin's water is a vital resource for pastoral, agricultural, and extractive industries, supporting billions in economic activity annually. However, uncontrolled water flow from bores and bore drains reduces water pressure and volume, threatening the ecosystems and communities that depend on it. The NSW government has been working to improve water infrastructure and reduce uncontrolled groundwater flow to preserve this critical resource.
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It is the largest and deepest artesian basin in the world
The Great Artesian Basin (GAB) is the largest and deepest artesian basin in the world. Covering over 1.7 million square kilometres, it underlies 22% of the Australian continent, including most of Queensland, the southeast corner of the Northern Territory, northeastern South Australia, and northern New South Wales. The basin is an essential water source for humans, animals, and the environment, particularly in regions with low rainfall, such as the northwest of NSW.
The GAB is a vital lifeline for rural Australia, providing the only source of fresh water for much of inland Australia. The water in the basin is held in a sandstone layer, formed during the Triassic, Jurassic, and early Cretaceous periods when much of inland Australia was below sea level. The sandstone layer is covered by marine sedimentary rock, which traps water in the sandstone aquifer. The water temperatures in the basin range from 30 to 100 °C, and it is estimated to contain 64,900 cubic kilometres of groundwater, or 65 million GL, enough to fill Sydney Harbour 130,000 times.
The basin has supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities for over 60,000 years and holds significant cultural, social, and spiritual value. The springs and wetlands of the GAB are home to rich ecosystems, including many endangered and unique plants and animals. The basin also plays a crucial role in supporting pastoral, agricultural, and extractive industries, as well as providing town water supplies, contributing significantly to Australia's economy.
Despite its vast size and depth, the Great Artesian Basin faces challenges such as depletion and chemical damage. The Australian government and Basin state governments have recognised these issues and released the Great Artesian Basin Strategic Management Plan in 2020 to ensure the long-term health of the basin and its dependent ecosystems. This plan aims to improve collaborative management and achieve social and economic outcomes through coordinated funding and initiatives.
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It covers almost a quarter of Australia
The Great Artesian Basin (GAB) is the largest and deepest artesian basin in the world. Covering more than 1.7 million square kilometres, it underlies almost a quarter of the Australian continent, including most of Queensland, the southeast corner of the Northern Territory, northeastern South Australia, and northern New South Wales. This vast area is home to a diverse range of ecosystems and communities that depend on the Basin's water resources.
The Basin's significance extends beyond its sheer size. It is a vital source of freshwater for much of inland Australia, providing the only source of freshwater in many regions. This makes it an indispensable resource for human, animal, and environmental needs. The GAB supports local communities by supplying town water and enabling agriculture, tourism, and other industries. The First Nations and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have relied on the Basin's water for over 60,000 years, and it continues to hold significant cultural, social, and spiritual value for these communities.
The Basin's water is stored in a sandstone layer formed during the Triassic, Jurassic, and early Cretaceous periods. This sandstone layer is covered by marine sedimentary rock, which acts as a confining layer that traps water in the sandstone aquifer. The water in the Basin is accessed through boreholes, and its pressure often forces it up without the need for pumps. However, uncontrolled water flow from these bores has led to reduced water pressure and volume in the Basin, threatening the ecosystems and communities that depend on it.
Recognising the importance of sustainable management, the Australian government and Basin state governments released the Great Artesian Basin Strategic Management Plan in 2020. This plan aims to improve collaborative management, achieve social and economic outcomes, and ensure the long-term health of the Basin and its ecosystems. The Great Artesian Basin Coordinating Committee (GABCC) plays a crucial role in coordinating activities and providing advice to various stakeholders and government ministers.
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It is an important water resource for industries such as agriculture and livestock
The Great Artesian Basin (GAB) is a vital water source for many industries in Australia, particularly agriculture and livestock. Covering over 1,700,000 square kilometres (660,000 square miles), the GAB underlies 22% of the Australian continent, including Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, and the Northern Territory.
The GAB is the largest and deepest artesian basin in the world, containing an estimated 64,900 cubic kilometres of groundwater. The water is held in a sandstone layer, formed during the Triassic, Jurassic, and early Cretaceous periods when much of inland Australia was below sea level. The discovery of this water source allowed the settlement of thousands of square kilometres of land away from rivers, making it crucial for cattle stations and livestock, as well as for irrigation and domestic purposes.
The economic value of the GAB is significant, with a report by Frontier Economics estimating that the basin underpins at least $12.8 billion in economic activity annually. Of this, $4.7 billion comes from livestock production, including over 14 million beef cattle and over 11 million sheep and lambs in GAB regions that heavily depend on this water source. The GAB also supports irrigated agriculture, with an estimated value of over $60 million.
The importance of the GAB extends beyond its economic value. It is a lifeline for rural Australia, providing water for towns and supporting local communities, trade, and communication routes. The basin's springs and wetlands are also ecologically significant, sustaining rich ecosystems and providing habitat for many endangered plants and animals, some of which are unique to the region.
However, the GAB faces challenges such as depletion and chemical damage due to coal seam gas extraction and other mining activities. The Australian government and basin state governments have developed a strategic management plan in collaboration with the Great Artesian Basin Coordinating Committee (GABCC) to address these issues and ensure the long-term health of the basin and its dependent ecosystems.
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The basin is of great cultural, social and spiritual value to First Nations communities
The Great Artesian Basin (GAB) is the largest and deepest artesian basin in the world, covering 1,700,000 square kilometres (660,000 square miles) or about one-fifth of Australia. It is a vital source of fresh water for much of inland Australia, providing water for towns, agriculture, tourism, and other industries. The basin is of great cultural, social, and spiritual value to First Nations communities, who have relied on its water for over 60,000 years.
The basin's springs and wetlands support diverse ecosystems and endangered species, and some species are unique to the basin. The springs are linked to cultural stories and practices and have served as important trade and communication routes for First Nations communities. Prior to the arrival of Europeans, the waters of the GAB discharged through mound springs, many in arid South Australia, such as Witjira-Dalhousie Springs. These springs sustained various endemic invertebrates and supported extensive Aboriginal communities and trade routes.
The basin's water is held in a sandstone layer formed during the Triassic, Jurassic, and early Cretaceous periods when much of what is now inland Australia was below sea level. The sandstone is covered by a layer of marine sedimentary rock, which traps water in the aquifer. The eastern edge of the basin was uplifted with the formation of the Great Dividing Range, and most recharge water enters the rock formations from high ground near this edge.
The Great Artesian Basin is a connected system across several Australian states and territories, including Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, and the Northern Territory. As such, it needs to be managed collaboratively to ensure the long-term health of the basin and its dependent ecosystems. The basin underlies 22% of the Australian continent, and there are around 8,200 bores tapping into it across NSW alone. Uncontrolled water flow and water wastage through evaporation and seepage threaten the basin's ecosystems and limit access to water for First Nations communities.
To address these issues, the NSW government has been working to improve water infrastructure and reduce uncontrolled groundwater flow. Programs have been implemented to help landowners replace failing bores and bore drains, and the government has been monitoring the basin's health through various metrics, including artesian pressure, flow, temperature, and ecological health of springs. These efforts aim to protect the cultural, social, and spiritual value of the Great Artesian Basin for First Nations communities and ensure sustainable water access for all stakeholders.
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Frequently asked questions
The Great Artesian Basin (GAB) is Australia's most significant hydrogeological system and one of the largest artesian water areas in the world. It is the largest and deepest artesian basin globally, spanning almost 1.7 million square kilometres, which is over one-fifth of the Australian continent. The GAB is a vital water source for humans, animals, and the environment, providing the only source of freshwater for much of inland Australia.
The Great Artesian Basin is an essential water resource for various purposes. It supports local communities by providing town water and sustains agriculture, tourism, and other industries. The Basin is also significant for its cultural, social, and spiritual value to First Nations communities, who have relied on its water for over 60,000 years. Additionally, the GAB provides water for a geothermal power station in Birdsville, contributing to 25% of the town's electricity needs.
The Great Artesian Basin is managed through a collaborative approach involving the Australian government, Basin state governments, and stakeholders. In 2020, they released the Great Artesian Basin Strategic Management Plan, aiming to improve management, achieve social and economic outcomes, and ensure the long-term health of the Basin and its ecosystems. The Basin jurisdictions also work together to address challenges and ensure water security for a large part of Australia.
